Health Sciences Personal Statement Example (ODP)

I want to study to be an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) because I believe it will be the start of a long successful career in working in the medical field. I chose the course because I love the idea of being there for people at their most vulnerable. I have always been interested in the ODP role as it encompasses everything I enjoy doing. It is a worthwhile job which I know I will get enormous amounts of job satisfaction from.

I am eager to pursue a career in which I am able to help and care for people, becoming an ODP would allow me to fulfil this ambition. A career as an ODP is for dedicated, reliable, caring people who can work effectively within a multi professional team, have good team working skills and are able to adapt to situations and keep calm under pressure. I consider myself to be a very, caring compassionate person who is able to emphasise with others, use initiative, and have good interpersonal skills. I believe that the role of an ODP can be very challenging and demanding at times as well as rewarding and fulfilling. I feel I possess the qualities to which would make a good ODP and have the dedication and commitment to work hard in this field.

Whilst studying health and social care I became interested in the ODP field. I was eager to apply for this course after college but due to personal circumstances I took another direction and took a job where I’m currently working now. I’ve worked in a nursery as a 0-2 room leader for three years now and although I have enjoyed my time there I feel that it’s time to get back onto the path of healthcare. I’ve always had the big desire to work in health care, although it’s the faster paced/critical side of patient care that inspires me and captures my interests the most.

I truly enjoy working directly with people on a day to day basis, something as simple as helping someone throughout the day or supporting a parent as they leave their new born for the first time gives me a naturally high knowing that I’ve made a difference even in the littlest of ways. I feel I have a natural caring nature and have the ability to put people at ease. I want to be able to help and support people when they are at their most vulnerable and I think that becoming an ODP will give me the opportunity to make a difference.

Although I love working in a nursery, child care isn’t where I want to be. Working in childcare has given me the opportunities to work with parents and children and to develop and strengthen personal and professional skills. Leading a busy demanding baby room requires me to work well as a team, be a forward thinker, be organised and patient and to interact and support both adults and children, these skills I can carry over to training as an ODP.

During my time at college I undertook four different work experience places which were residential home, nursery (which I now work) hospital and a school. I thoroughly enjoyed all the placements but by far I enjoyed the hospital place the most, since the placement I knew that’s where I wanted to work. The excitement of the fast-paced environment and patient centred caring approach is what really attracts me especially knowing that you’re making a difference to someone’s day or even life is an adrenaline rush in its self.

I really enjoy running and every year anticipate The Great North Run. This was my fourth year, I ran for Zoes place which is for a baby hospice in Middlesbrough, it’s only a small organisation which benefit massively from charity events. I really enjoy the experience and have met some amazing people with inspirational stories. I’m currently training for the Liverpool full marathon next year which is a big step up from a half marathon but I am excited for the challenge and hope to raise lots of money for good causes.